EXPLAINER: What you need to know about Nairobi Railway City

Imagine stepping off a sleek, modern train into a vibrant city hub where green parks, cultural centres, offices, markets and new homes all merge seamlessly in the heart of Nairobi. 

This is not a futuristic fantasy. It’s the vision behind the Nairobi Railway City. 

Set to transform how people live, work and move in the capital, the project is one of the most ambitious urban redevelopment plans ever undertaken in the country.

The Nairobi Railway City is a transformative urban redevelopment project spearheaded by the government through Kenya Railways. 

Envisioned as a multi-modal, transit-oriented and modern urban development, the initiative seeks to revamp the Nairobi Central Railway Station and its surrounding areas. 

This flagship project spans 438 acres of prime land within Nairobi and aims to create a new urban heartbeat for the capital city.

“It's divided into six precincts, each with a specific location character, specific urban function and unique identity,” Kenya Railways said.

According to Kenya Railways, the Nairobi Railway City project is part of the core strategy for regenerating the City, balancing social benefits with economic returns. 

It is also positioned as a vital part of the national infrastructure development plan, combining transport, housing, commerce and green public spaces into a cohesive urban design.

Strategic location and urban design

The Nairobi Railway City will be divided into six distinctive precincts. 

Each of these precincts is tailored to serve a specific urban function and possesses a unique identity.

These include Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Core. The project is designed as a vibrant hub for culture, innovation, research and employment. 

This area will feature a mix of retail, office, student housing, and educational and cultural heritage facilities.

The other character is West Core, which is planned as a sustainable commercial centre that promotes land value capture, job creation and both economic and social development. 

The precinct will feature commercial spaces, transportation facilities, entertainment zones, and high-end offices.

The central station is positioned as a multi-modal transport and employment hub. 

It will also accommodate cultural and leisure functions, conservation and heritage centres, offices, retail outlets and a modern railway station surrounded by public open spaces.

Additionally, the central station front is a residential precinct offering a range of inclusive housing choices. 

It will feature new housing developments, community centres, a fire station, recreational areas and mixed-use commercial properties.

Within the affordable housing area, a socially focused precinct is being developed to deliver sustainable housing that integrates infrastructure, inclusivity, and economic opportunities, while preserving heritage and expanding green spaces.

The Railways will also serve as a market core.

This will serve as a sustainable market district, intended to create economic opportunities through infrastructure investments while maintaining a socially inclusive environment.

Transport and connectivity

The Nairobi Central Railway Station is poised to become the focal point of the city’s multi-modal urban transport network.

The redevelopment will significantly boost commuter capacity. While the current station serves approximately 16,000 passengers per day, the new facility will be able to handle up to 30,000 passengers during peak hours.

Kenya Railways highlights that this transport hub will provide seamless interconnectivity across the city. 

It will integrate with Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) corridors and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, enabling safe and efficient movement for pedestrians, cyclists and commuters.

The station will be served by a modern fleet including Diesel-Electric Multiple Units (DEMUs), locomotives, and coaches, which form the backbone of the Nairobi Commuter Rail network.

Socio-economic impact

Kenya Railways emphasises that the Nairobi Railway City is not just a transport project, but a socio-economic transformation initiative. 

“The NRC project will foster a great socio-economic transformation for the city of Nairobi through strategic infrastructure investment and urban planning,” KR noted.

One of the project's significant contributions is to housing. 

The development is expected to address the acute housing shortage in Nairobi by delivering approximately 10,000 residential units. 

These will be spread across single-use and mixed-use residential developments.

Single-use developments will dedicate 97 per cent of their built area to housing, while mixed-use developments will allocate between 10 and 80 per cent for residential purposes. 

It will also provide housing for studentsto address the inadequate investment in student accommodation and to match the rising enrollment rates.

Kenya Railways intends to develop Purpose-Built student accommodation (PBSAs) for at least 2,500 students on 1.57 acres within the Nairobi Railway City.

“The site is strategically located in close proximity to Technical University of Kenya (TUK),” KR said. 

This is expected to provide diverse housing options for Nairobi’s growing population.

Urban amenities and public realm

In addition to transportation and housing, the Nairobi Railway City project will prioritise public amenities and green spaces.

These include new markets such as the New Wakulima Market, student hostels, walkways for non-motorised movement, and facilities for meetings and exhibitions.

The "Public Realm" aspect of the development is intended to create open spaces that enhance quality of life. 

These areas will support public gatherings, leisure and recreation, contributing to the livability and inclusivity of the new urban centre.

International partnership

The Nairobi Railway City is a flagship initiative under the UK–Kenya Strategic Partnership, with the UK government supporting its design and planning through technical expertise.

Once complete, it is expected to redefine the cityscape of Nairobi, creating a well-planned urban environment that meets the needs of current and future generations.